Clothing Wipe

ABSTRACT

A clothing wipe includes an applicator having a novel odor neutralizing formulation deposited on one layer that is bonded to another layer to form a finger mitt. The applicator is removed from a pouch and rubbed against a person&#39;s clothing that may have accumulated a variety of smoke, food, and other odors during an outing. The odors clinging to the clothing are neutralized by contact with the odor neutralizing formulation. The applicator is stored in the pouch when not in use. A method of fabricating the clothing wipe in a web process is disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/606,827 filed Sep. 7, 2012 by the same inventors andentitled CLOTHING WIPE, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/386,425 filed Mar. 22, 2006 by Ben Kusin andentitled ODOR NEUTRALIZATION APPARATUS AND METHOD, abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to neutralizing unpleasant odorsand, more particularly, to apparatus and a method for neutralizingunpleasant odors that may cling to the surface of a person's clothingand refreshing the scent of the clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dining out, attending concerts or dance performances, going to thetheatre or to movies, going to parties, dances and celebrations, goingto night clubs and other entertainment venues, or just hanging out withfriends are some of the activities people engage in during their freetime. Generally, in preparing to participate in these activities, peopletake great pains to look their best and to present themselves in thebest possible light. Personal grooming aids and products are oftenemployed, most of which are scented, in an effort to appear attractive.Perfumes and scented grooming products are used to enhance the effects,particularly among persons interested in attracting other persons of theopposite sex, for example.

Unfortunately, the scented effects tend to diminish rapidly, reducingthe intended effect of the personal grooming efforts. Further, many ofthe venues for the above activities include exposure to a wide varietyof odors. These odors typically originate from food and beverages inrestaurants, from smoke in restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc., fromthe perspiration of the persons themselves and other patrons, and fromother substances that may be encountered during an evening'sentertainment. Many of these odors are unpleasant or become more so withthe passage of time. Such odors are readily absorbed by a person'sclothing or hair, and are carried with the person for the rest of theevening. Thus, not only are the original scents diminished through thenatural evaporation and deterioration that occurs, but they are oftenoverwhelmed or masked by the many odors in the surroundings. Thesecircumstances may be especially worrisome to people in a datingsituation, especially as the evening wears on and the persons anticipateextending the evening or just wish to freshen themselves beforeproceeding with the remainder of the evening's activities, one's nextappointment, etc. Other circumstances where the need to refresh one'sclothing or hair may arise include following a long or arduous meeting,working out in a gym, a long walk between offices, playing with pets,and the like.

Conventional remedies include perfume or perfumed products such ascologne applied to a person's skin or clothing, typically provided in aspray container or a bottle. Other similar products may be applied byhand. Further, it is known that certain products, such as dryer sheetsfor use in clothes dryers, have sometimes been used in an effort toabsorb the unpleasant odors from a person's clothing or hair, butgenerally with limited success. Further, such dispensing devices astraditionally used for perfume or cologne are not readily available withodor neutralizing capabilities adapted to neutralizing the odorsaccumulated on a person's clothing. Moreover, the use of paper or fabricodor absorbing devices has heretofore failed to provide more thanlimited usefulness.

It is known or has been observed that certain paper or fabric products,such as the Bounce® dryer sheets and Swiffer® floor mop productsmanufactured and distributed by the Proctor & Gamble Corporation for thelaundry and floor cleaning markets respectively, and which mayrespectively contain anti-static or scented compounds or cleaningagents, have certain properties that might suggest possible applicationsin this field of odor neutralization of clothing. However, the availableconfiguration of these articles is not appropriate or well suited to theapplication of neutralizing the odors absorbed by a person's clothing ina night club or restaurant venue. The Bounce® dryer sheets and theSwiffer® mop refills are loose sheets of fabric. They are notconveniently packaged for a person's pocket or purse, are not adapted tothe particular use of odor neutralization of a person's clothing, and donot contain suitable substances for neutralizing odors absorbed into orclinging to a person's clothing or for refreshing originally appliedperfumes or scents.

What is needed is an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus,which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices and methods,that can serve both to eliminate or neutralize unpleasant odors thataccumulate on a person's clothing during an evening's entertainment in awide variety of venues, and to refresh or restore the original scent orreplace it with an alternative scent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly there is disclosed a personal care apparatus forneutralizing odors on a person's clothing. The apparatus comprises ahand-held applicator formed of a first layer and a second layer bondedtogether along mutual edges thereof except along a portion of the mutualedges thereby forming a pocket or sleeve; an odor neutralizingformulation uniformly deposited on an outer side of the first layer ofthe applicator, wherein the formulation includes a base component and aneutralizer component; the base component includes approximately 86%polyethylene glycol ester and 10% glycerin and the neutralizer componentincludes a fragrance mixture formed of essential oils and one or morearoma compounds combined in predetermined proportions; and a pouch forenclosing the applicator when not in use, the pouch formed of a flexiblepackaging film and having a reusable closure mechanism disposed alongone side thereof.

In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a clothing wipe isprovided, comprising the steps of forming a first layer of an applicatorin a first branch of a web process including uniformly depositing anodor neutralizing formulation on an outer surface of said first layer;forming a second layer of said applicator in a second branch of a webprocess including imprinting said second layer with indicia followed bymerging said first and second web process branches in a step foraligning said first and second layers of said applicator for cutting,trimming and bonding operations; and forming and imprinting a storagepouch for said applicator from flexible packaging film in a third webprocess followed by merging said third web process branch with saidcombined first and second web process branches in a step to insert saidapplicator in said storage pouch.

In another aspect of the method for fabricating a clothing wipe, thestep of formulating the odor neutralizing formulation includes the stepsof combining a fragrance mixture in a predetermined proportion toprovide a fragrance component having a “clean linen” aroma; andcombining the fragrance component with a base component including amixture of a polyethylene glycol ester and glycerin. In another aspect,the polyethylene glycol ester is combined with the glycerin inrespective proportions of 86% and 10% of the odor neutralizingformulation.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus for neutralizingodors in clothing, comprising an applicator for applying a neutralizingsubstance to a person's clothing, the applicator including a carrierlayer having a generally rectangular shape defined by a perimeterthereof and impregnated with the neutralizing substance, and a substratelayer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded tothe carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter ofthe carrier layer to form a finger pocket for manipulating theapplicator. In an alternate embodiment, an activating mechanism orprotective sleeve associated with the applicator may be provided forreleasing the neutralizing substance from the carrier layer.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed comprising thesteps of providing an odor-neutralizing applicator having a carrierlayer impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance and adapted to beslipped over the person's fingertips of one hand; slipping theapplicator over the fingertips of the person's hand; and manipulatingthe applicator against the person's clothing to neutralize the odors inthe person's clothing. In an alternate embodiment the method includesthe step of activating the carrier layer of the applicator to releasethe odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an apparatus forneutralizing odors on a person's clothing;

FIG. 2 illustrates an edgewise view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a pictorial view of the use of the embodiment of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a pictorial view of an alternate embodiment of anapparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's clothing;

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical depiction of an odor neutralizingformulation for use with the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one example of a method ofmanufacture of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the applicator pouch shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 illustrates a first alternate embodiment of the applicator;

FIG. 9 illustrates a second alternate embodiment of the applicator; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a pictorial view of the use of the first or secondalternate embodiments of the applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a plan view of one embodimentof an apparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's clothing byrefreshing the person's clothing through odor neutralization and newscent deposition. An applicator 10 includes a top layer 12, which maybear a brand indicia 14 including a brand 16, and, as one alternateembodiment, a textual indicia 18 including instructions 20 for using theapplicator 10. In an alternative, wherein the top layer 12 includes onlya brand indicia, textual indicia may be affixed to or printed upon thepackaging for the applicator 10. A bonding region 22 is shown,indicating the location of a bond that is formed between the top layer12 and other layers (not shown in FIG. 1) below the top layer 12. Itwill be observed, however, that the bonding region 22, between the edgeof the applicator 10 and the dashed line, surrounds the perimeter of theapplicator 10 around all of the perimeter except for one edge of theapplicator 10. The edge of the applicator 10 that does not include abond is selected so that a person's fingertips may be inserted betweentwo of the layers, as will be explained.

The applicator 10 in its preferred embodiment is intended to be acompact device easily carried in a pocket or purse. Thus, its dimensionsare determined accordingly to be slim and only slightly larger than abusiness card, for example. The applicator 10 in the illustrativeembodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may be approximately 3.75 incheslong and approximately 3.00 inches wide. The top layer 12 may be a papermaterial bearing the indicia 14, 18, which may, for example, be printedor embossed thereon by conventional processes. In alternativeembodiments, however, the dimensions and shape of the applicator 10 mayof course be modified for other applications without departing from theconcept illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In general, the shape may beany plane figure that is bounded by a closed perimeter, such astriangular, rectangular, circular, elliptical, oval or polygonal. Theportion of the perimeter that is open, called the open space 28, topermit the users fingers to be inserted between a carrier layer 24 and asubstrate layer 26 (See FIG. 2) in the manner of a finger mitt, may belocated at any location along the perimeter of the applicator 10. In apreferred embodiment, the shape of the applicator 10 is generallyrectangular with rounded corners, wherein the open space 28—an entryside for inserting the user's fingers—is located along one of theshorter sides of the applicator 10. Other embodiments may position theopen space 28 along a longer side or a curved side.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an edgewise view of theapplicator 10. The structure of the embodiment shown includes threelayers of material, each with a distinct purpose. The top layer 12 hasbeen described previously. It may be bonded fully to an intermediatesubstrate layer 24, which may be fabricated from a thin, generallyflexible and substantially non-absorbent material that has somestiffness or resiliency to provide shape and “body” to the applicator10. The purpose of the substrate layer 24 is to form a pocket incooperation with the carrier layer 26 when the applicator 10 is preparedfor use. Materials suited to this purpose include leather, synthetic,leather-like fabrics, heavy grade papers, and the like. The lower layer,the carrier layer 26, is preferably an absorbent layer of a non-wovenfabric, such as may be formed of spun-bonded polyester fibers. Thisexample, of which the fabric such as that used in the aforementioneddryer sheets is just one alternative, is illustrative only and a numberof alternative fabric materials are feasible. The carrier layer 26 ispreferably impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance to bedescribed. In alternate embodiments, the carrier layer 26 may includepleasantly scented material such as perfume or cologne, either alone orin combination with the odor neutralizing substance.

The carrier layer 26 may be bonded to the substrate layer 24 around theperimeter of the substrate layer 24 except at the selected open spaceshown in FIG. 2. This open space is provided for the person using theapplicator 10 to insert his or her fingertips into the pocket 28 betweenthe carrier layer 26 and the substrate layer 24 for the purpose ofmanipulating the applicator 10 during use. The edge of the bondingregion 22, represented by a dashed line (also indicated by referencenumber 22), is shown within the pocket 28 between the substrate 24 andcarrier 26 layers. The dashed line 22, also shown in FIG. 1, may in oneembodiment indicate one location of stitches for sewing the edges of thebonding region 22 together. The edges of the bonding region 22 may alsobe bonded using an adhesive, rivets, staples, clamps or crimpedfasteners, or even be an integral part of both the substrate 24 andcarrier 26 layers of the applicator 10. An example of the latterembodiment is provided when the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers areformed of a single sheet of material that satisfies the requirements ofboth layers.

In some embodiments it is advantageous for the applicator 10 to bedisposable; that is, it may be discarded when the odor neutralizingsubstance impregnated in the carrier layer 26 is exhausted. Thus, thematerials used in the construction of the applicator 10 need not beparticularly durable. On the other hand, it is further contemplated thatother embodiments of the applicator 10 may be reusable. For example, anapplicator 10 constructed of relatively durable materials and configuredto be fitted with a replaceable carrier layer 26, may be provided. Thelatter embodiment might provide a marketing advantage in that theapplicator may be provided at nominal cost with or without a package ofrefill carrier layers 26 (or, carrier sheets 26). A reusable applicatorwould include a bonding mechanism to enable removal of the carrier layer26 for replacement by a fresh carrier layer 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a pictorial view of theapplicator 10 being used to apply the odor neutralizing substance to aperson's clothing. The applicator 10 is shown being manipulated by awiping action against the clothing 30 of a user, as indicated by thearrows 36. The user's fingertips 32 of his or her hand 34 are insertedinto the pocket 28 between the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers of theapplicator 10. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket 28 in theapplicator 10, when opposite sides (e.g., to the left and right of theapplicator 10 as indicated by the triangular marks 38, 40 in FIG. 3) ofthe applicator 10 are squeezed slightly, opens wide enough to receivetwo fingertips 32 therein for manipulating the applicator 10. Onceinstalled on the user's fingertips, his or her hand 34 is moved in aside-to-side motion 36, rubbing or wiping the lower surface portion (notvisible in the figure, but will be readily understood) of the carrierlayer 26. This action causes the release and transfer of the odorneutralizing substance from a portion of the carrier layer 26 to thesurface of the user's clothing 30, as will be described further herein.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the odor neutralizing substance may, forexample, be an activated charcoal material, impregnated into or formedinto a fabric used to construct the carrier layer 26, that absorbs odorparticles on contact with the carrier layer 26. In an alternativeembodiment, a compound that combines with the chemicals in food odorsand smoke, thereby causing them to be non-odorous, may be activated oncontact with the person's clothing. In another alternative embodiment, acompound that volatilizes odorous substances on contact, causing them todisperse by evaporation may be used. Alternate embodiments may utilize acombination of these features in a single device to accomplish odorneutralization. For example, a device may combine the features ofabsorption and ionization to neutralize odors accumulating on thesurface of clothing. Further, the odor neutralizing substance may bebound in microcapsules impregnated within the carrier layer, thusprevented from escaping until subjected to the pressure associated withthe rubbing or wiping contact 36 against the user's clothing surfacewhen the applicator 10 is being used. The odor neutralizing substancemay additionally include a perfume or other scented agent.Alternatively, the perfume or scented agent may be separatelyimpregnated into the carrier layer 26.

In one example, an activated charcoal material that is formed into atextile fabric having a microporous structure may be used in the carrierlayer 26. The microporous structure provides a very large surface areapresented to the odor-causing substances, effectively absorbing themfrom the person's clothing during use of the applicator 10. Theactivated charcoal textile material, developed in Britain for itsfiltering properties, is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,371issued to Conant et al.

The following detailed description describes several alternative andpreferred embodiments with reference to FIGS. 4 through 10.

In one preferred embodiment to be described with reference to FIGS. 4,5, 6, and 7, the odor neutralizing substance may include a formulationcomprising a base component and an organic odor neutralizer componentcombined in predetermined proportions. In the illustrated example, thebase component may comprise a mixture of a polyethylene glycol ester andglycerin, in approximate respective percentages of 86% and 10%. Thepolyethylene glycol (PEG) ester, a soft, colorless material is providedas a base component—a carrier—that provides sufficient body to theformulation to hold the odor neutralizer component in a solid matrix.When the clothing wipe device is rubbed along the surface of theclothing, a thin film of the carrier or base, with the neutralizercombined therewith, is deposited on the surface of the clothing. Thisfilm leaves no stain and may be removed when the clothing is washed. Theglycerin is soluble in the base and provides a softening effect on thebase, while slowing the release of the fragrance component of the odorneutralizer to be described. The glycerin is also washable and leaves nostain, and has a low vapor pressure so that the stability and shelf lifeof the device are enhanced.

The organic odor neutralizer component may comprise a fragrancecomponent or mixture or composition. This component comprisesapproximately 4% of the total odor neutralizing formulation. Fragrancemixtures are well known and are available in a wide variety offormulations or types, for neutralizing a wide variety of odors. Some ofthe available types include: a masking agent, a solvent, an absorbant,an encapsulant, and a spray dry fragrance. In the present invention, oneclass of fragrance compositions or mixtures has been found particularlysuitable for counteracting or neutralizing odors on clothing or aperson's hair, for example. Such a fragrance mixture is a blend ofseveral constituents that is formulated to present—i.e., leave behind onthe user's clothing—a “clean linen” aroma or scent. In the illustratedembodiment, the constituents of the fragrance mixture may includechemicals of an aromatic or aliphatic nature such as aldehydes, ketones,alcohols, esters, and materials containing oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur.The fragrance mixture are preferably comprises approximately 4% of thetotal odor neutralizing formulation. However, due to the subjectivenature of the sense experience, this proportion may be varied byexperimenting with the proportions to be mixed. For example, the testmay begin by varying the ingredients in greater or lesser proportionuntil a preferred proportion is determined for a particular application.

In regard to the proportions of the three principal ingredients of theodor neutralizing formulation described above in specific percentages,it is important to point out that these are percent values arrived atfor one embodiment of the illustrated clothing wipe. The clothing wipemay be configured for a variety of specific applications depending onthe market for such variations. Accordingly, the proportions of thethese ingredients may be varied to suit particular formulations to meeta specific target market segment. In general, the proportion of thepolyethylene glycol ester may range from 80% to 90%, the glycerin (or anacceptable substitute) may range from 6% to 16%, and the fragrancemixture may range from 0.5% to 10%. Potential market segments may begender-specific or unisex, or directed to particular kinds of activitiessuch as indoor or outdoor, social or business or recreation, etc. Otherapplications may include clothing wipes that are formulated as insectrepellants or other ancillary uses besides refreshing the scent or odorspresent on a person's clothing or hair. Such applications may includeingredients that are combined in proportions that differ substantiallyfrom those set forth herein. For example, a wipe having an insectrepellant substance may include 15% to 30% repellant chemical incombination with a base component of 70% to 85% and a fragrance mixtureof a few percent, for example. Other applications may include wipeshaving formulations adapted to a person's skin surfaces. Suchapplications may include ingredient formulations based on other types ofingredients in other proportions, etc. Thus, the clothing wipe describedherein is only one example of a versatile delivery system for scented orother chemical formulations configured for a wide variety of personalcare products.

In use, as described herein below, the rubbing action that occurs whenthe clothing wipe device is brought into contact with the user'sclothing or hair and deposits the odor neutralizing formulation orsubstance in proportion to the degree of force used and the length ofpath or amount of time expended as the device is rubbed across thesurface of the clothing. This provides a convenient way to regulate theamount of odor neutralizing formulation deposited during use, therebyaffecting the strength and noticeability of the fragrance and theeffectiveness of the clothing wipe device described herein.

Manufacturing the clothing wipe device may be illustrated by a simplesequence of steps. Both the applicator and the pouch may be supplied inbulk as thin fabrics and packaging film respectively. Each one may beimprinted in bulk web-processing facilities prior to cutting and bondingthe individual pieces that will be assembled to form the applicator orthe pouch Imprinting may be used to apply logo and other indicia, aswell as instructions for use and/or attractive graphics, to the pouch.The fragrance mixture may also be applied during a bulk web-processingprocess by depositing the compound odor neutralizer material in aslot-dye coating process, well-known in the art. In this process, theformulated mixture is placed into a reservoir such as a hopper deviceand conveyed to a distributing device that has a narrow slot orificeoriented across the width of the fabric that is to receive the mixture.The slot has a length approximately equal to the width of the fabric,and deposits a measured layer of the odor neutralizer formulation ontothe surface of the bottom, active (first) layer of the applicator.

Materials for the bottom (first) and top (second) layers of theapplicator are selected for the abilities to be imprinted, bondedultrasonically, and fabricated in a web-processing process as will bedescribed. The bottom layer of the applicator may be a single ply of anon-woven (e.g., spun-bound) polypropylene fabric or a two-plycombination of a non-woven polypropylene fabric having a weight ofapproximately 160 g/m² weight and a rayon fabric that is needle punchedin a predetermined pattern over the area of the layer to secure it tothe polypropylene fabric. The total thickness of the two-ply layer maythen have an approximate thickness of 0.10 inch or less. In a singlelayer embodiment the additional step to bond the rayon or other fabriclayer may be deleted. The top layer of the applicator may preferably bea non-woven (e.g., spun-bound) polypropylene fabric of approximately 100g/m² weight and a thickness of approximately 0.013 inch. Theseweights/thicknesses are approximate and selected for the size and weightappropriate to the look and feel of the hand-held clothing wipe devicedescribed in this example. Other materials may be selected as long asthey have the properties suited to the application. For example, certainalternate embodiments intended for heavy-duty service may be fabricatedof heavier weight materials or synthetic fabrics of greater durability.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, the two layers, after imprinting,depositing the odor neutralizer to the bottom layer and cutting to size,may be ultrasonically bonded around the perimeter except for along oneedge, allowing the one edge to remain open, thereby forming a pocket sothat the applicator may be slipped over a user's fingers during use. Thebottom layer may preferably be provided in a color different from thetop layer to facilitate identification of the correct side of theapplicator to apply to the user's clothing. For example, the bottomlayer may be white and the top layer imprinted with the logo, etc. inother colors. In another embodiment to be described with reference toFIGS. 8-10, two opposite edges of the applicator are leftopen—unbonded—thereby forming a sleeve for the user's fingers.

The storage pouch may be manufactured from a flexible packaging filmthat is imprinted with graphics, logos, legends, indicia, instructionsfor use, etc. As is well known, flexible packaging film is available inmany forms depending on the kind of product to be contained therein andthe kind of graphics imprinted on the outside layer, etc. In theillustrated example, the packaging film, which should be adapted tocontaining personal care products, may be a laminated product wherebyeach layer of the material is selected to provide the particularproperties desired in the package. Such flexible packaging film productsare typically laminated of multiple layers of thin film materials suchas a coated and printable outer layer to support printed graphics (e.g.,polyester), low density polyethylene (LDPE), a metal foil, a linear lowdensity polyethylene film (LLDPEF), and the like. These materials may beprovided in thicknesses that range from 0.25 to 1.5 mil (1 mil= 1/1000of an inch). In the embodiment described herein the total thickness ofthe film packaging material may be approximately 3.5 mil. Thesematerials in combination provide sufficient body, moisture and punctureresistance, resistance to tearing, the effects of light, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4 the storage pouch 70 includes a closure mechanismalong the one side or edge of the pouch that does not have a bound orwelded edge along its perimeter. This open edge may be resealed toenclose the applicator therein when not in use so that the odorneutralizing capacity is preserved. One preferred closure mechanism isto provide the open edge with a string zipper—a flangeless zipper—or itsequivalent. The locking members of the string zipper are sealed to theedges of the opening to be closed or opened. As is well-known, a stringzipper allows for reclosing a package without requiring a separatetraveling slider to zip or unzip the package. String zippers may bemolded from polyethylene or other similar materials. Another closuremechanism is illustrated in FIG. 7. In this example the bottom layer ofthe applicator is extended past the opening along the edge of theapplicator, thus forming a closure flap. A strap of the same materialused for the top layer may be attached parallel to the open edge on theoutside of the applicator and spaced slightly away from the open edge ofthe applicator to serve as a retainer for the closure flap.

FIG. 4 illustrates a pictorial view of an alternate embodiment of anapparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's clothing. This personalcare product 50 includes an applicator 52 and a pouch 70. The applicator52 is formed by bonding a bottom layer 54 of a suitable material to atop layer 56 of a suitable material along its edges 58 except for oneedge 60 that is left open 62, thereby forming a pocket in the spacebetween the top and bottom layers to enable a user to insert at leasttwo fingers therein during use. Thus, in this embodiment, the first andsecond layers are bonded together along mutual edges thereof, exceptalong a portion of the mutual edges—e.g., on one side or edge—therebyforming the pocket. The applicator 52 may be imprinted with graphics 64such as brand name or logo indicia or other decorative features. Thebottom layer 54 of the applicator 52 further includes an odorneutralizing formulation 66 applied-to or embedded or impregnated intothe outer surface of the bottom layer 54. The formulation 66 is furtherdescribed in FIG. 5.

Continuing with FIG. 4 a pouch 70 for storing the applicator 52 in whenit is not in use is shown. The storage pouch 70 may be formed of asingle sheet of flexible packaging film as described herein above,folded along an edge 81 and bonded along opposite side edges 82. Thefabrication process is shown in FIG. 6 to be described. The pouch 70includes a top side 72, a bottom side 74, and a closure flap 76extending from the bottom side 74. The pouch 70 may also includegraphics 80 such as decorative features, brand name, or logo indiciaimprinted on the outer sides of the pouch. In the embodiment shown astring zipper 78 is provided as a first part on the underside of theclosure flap 76 and a second part on the outer surface of the top side72 of the pouch 70. The closure flap 76 may be folded along the dashedline 84 until the two parts of the string zipper 78 are placed incontact and pressed together. As is well-known, a string zipper is areusable fastener for a package that includes complementary moldedridges that may be pressed together to seal the zipper. To open thepackage a user need only grasp the top and bottom sides along the stringzipper 78 and pull the sides 72, 74 at their open edges apart toseparate the ridges of the fastener.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical depiction of an odor neutralizingformulation 88 for use with the embodiment of FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, a basecomponent may be formed of a mixture of polyethylene glycol ester 90(PEG ester) and glycerin 92, mixed together in approximate proportions(of the total odor neutralizing formulation) of 86% and 10%respectively. One example of the principal ingredient of a suitable basecomponent is a product named: Mapeg® 6000 DS PEG (6000) Distearate,which is available from the BASF Corporation, Florham Park, N.J. 07932.This product is a polyethylene glycol ester widely used in soaps andother products as emulsifiers, stabilizers, viscosity control agents,and the like. There are variety of versions of this product available invarious molecular weights and other parameters, etc. The glycerin 92component is included to soften the PEG ester somewhat to enable smoothapplication of the odor formulation 88 on the user's clothing.Substitutes for the glycerin 92 may include other poly alcohols or longchain poly oils well-known in the art. The combination of the PEG ester90 and the glycerin 92 enables slower, more uniform release of thefragrance mixture (to be described). The purpose of the base component90, 92 is to provide a solid but soft carrier or delivery vehicle forthe fragrance mixture that provides a barrier to the escape of bad odors(“malodors”) from the fabric of the person's clothing or the person'shair. The base component provides a thin, transparent, colorless filmupon the surface of the user's clothing, yet is washable and leaves nostain.

The odor neutralizer component 94 makes up the remaining 4% of the odorneutralizing formulation 88. One reason for the relatively smallpercentage—approximately 4%—used in the illustrated embodiment is thattypically only a very small amount of a malodor substance is verynoticeable. Accordingly, only a very small amount of a counteractingfragrance may be needed to be effective in neutralizing the malodor.Further, it is possible for a limited amount of a fragrance blend orcomposition to counteract a malodor or to neutralize an odor. Forexample, in an aroma compound based on an aldehyde, the aldehyde mayreact with nitrogen in a malodor to form what is known in the art as a“Schiff Base” product that “ties up” the nitrogen malodor materials,thereby reducing the perception of the malodor.

Continuing with FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment the odorneutralizer component preferably includes a fragrance mixture 94formulated from an essential oil in combination with at least one aromacompound to provide an odor characteristic that matches the desired odorparadigm. The aroma compound, such as the aldehydes, ketones, alcohols,or esters, as is well-known, react easily with the elements that arefound in malodors—i.e., oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur. A particularchoice of aroma compound may be one of several that would be suitablefor the type of clothing wipe 50 described herein. Thus, a preferredchoice would be primarily a matter of (a) how the aroma compound reactswith other materials and (b) the desired subjective criteria associatedwith the scent of the aroma compound. As is well-known, an aromacompound typically may include many ingredients, combined in aproportion to yield a particular aroma or scent, in varying degrees ofstrength or intensity, duration of effects, etc., to name just a fewkinds of characteristics.

In the present formulation these aroma compounds may include chemicalsof an aromatic or aliphatic nature such as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols,esters, and/or materials containing oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur. Oneexample of a fragrance mixture is perfume, which is a mixture ofessential oils, aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents, each selectedto yield a desired particular effect. In the present invention, afragrance mixture that presents a “clean linen” scent is preferred.However, there are many possible fragrance mixtures and fragranceparadigms that may be used in a device of the type described herein,including active scents (typically associated with masculine users) andfloral scents (typically associated with feminine users) for example.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one example of a method ofmanufacture of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5. As is well-known, manyproducts made from thin film or fabric materials may be suitablyprocessed on web processing facilities. Web processing typicallyreceives material from a bulk roll of material and may includemechanisms in various sequences for imprinting, coating, folding,bonding, depositing other substances thereon, cutting, filling,laminating, etc. Such processes are among those suitable formanufacturing both the applicator 50 and the pouch 70 described hereinin FIG. 4. FIG. 6 depicts one such process applied to fabricate both theapplicator 50 and the pouch 70. The method employs several webprocessing lines that begin with individual components of the clothingwipe, wherein the separate web processing lines or branches are mergedin a single step to combine the individual processing lines or branchesto join together two components of the finished product. This mergingstep may occur more than once, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Continuing with FIG. 6, the flow for fabricating the applicator maybegin at step 110 to load the web processor with the material for thetop layer 56 of the applicator 52 followed by step 112 to imprint thetop layer 56 with selected indicia or graphics 64 before sending theimprinted material to step 114. In a parallel process the material forthe bottom layer 54 is loaded into a separate branch of a web processorin step 116 for forwarding via step 118 to feed the bottom layer 54material through a machine such as used for a slot dye process todeposit measured amounts of the odor neutralizer formulation 66 onto thesurface of the bottom layer 54. The odor neutralizer formulation 66 maybe prepared in a step 120 and advanced to step 122 to be applied to thebottom layer 54 of the applicator 52.

As is well known, a slot dye process is adapted to dispense a measuredamount of a substance from a narrow slot opening across the width of amoving belt of the film or fabric to be coated or imprinted. As readilyunderstood by persons skilled in the art, alternatives to the slot dyeprocess exist that also deposit a uniform coating of a material influid, powder, or granular form upon the surface of a fabric. The choiceis best made to suit the particular form of the product beingfabricated. The slot dye process is described as one readily understoodmethod of applying a uniform coating of material to a surface of anobject.

Following deposit of the odor neutralizer formulation 66 the materialfor the bottom layer 54 is next prepared to be aligned with and joinedto—i.e., merged with—the material for the top layer 56 in step 114.Following alignment, the flow advances to step 124 wherein the line ofapplicators formed to that point may be cut into separate applicators 52followed by bonding the side and rear edges 58 of the aligned top 56 andbottom 54 layers together in step 126. Such bonding may utilize anultrasonic bonding process to bond the edges of the top 56 and bottom 54layers to each other, thereby forming an applicator 52 that may be wornas a small pouch or finger mitt as depicted in FIG. 3, or a sleeve asillustrated in FIGS. 8-10 that is slipped over the user's fingers. Afterthe bonding step 126 the completed applicator 52 may be merged with thestorage pouch 70 in step 128 and inserted into a storage pouch 70. Thestorage pouch 70 may be fabricated in a similar way to be described. Inthe bonding step, several alternative processes may be used includingcontinuous ultrasonic, uniform discontinuous ultrasonic, and a stitchedbond. The stitched bonding may be stitched with a thread material or besimulated by an intermittent (discontinuous) ultrasonic bonding.

Beginning at step 130 with loading the flexible packaging film forfabricating the pouch 70 the flow advances to step 132 to imprint theflexible packaging film with indicia such as product or brand name,logo, colorful graphics, instructions for use, other text to comply withregulatory requirements, etc. following imprinting, the imprinted filmpasses through a station to cut the blanks of the pouch 70 to size instep 134 before being folded, and the aligned side edges are bonded,again by an ultrasonic process, for example. The completed storage pouch70 is aligned to merge with the completed applicator 52 in step 128,wherein the applicator 52 is inserted into the pouch 70, includingfolding over the flap 76 to seal it against the top layer 56 by pressingthe two sides of the string zipper 78 together or otherwise securing theclosure. The process may then deliver the finished clothing wipes 50 toa bulk packing station 138 to prepare them for shipment. Typically theclothing wipes manufactured as described may be packaged in quantitiesof one dozen to multiples of a dozen, for example. The packed productsmay proceed to a station 140 that tests whether the package is to beshipped immediately in step 142 according to an order or transferred toinventory in step 144. At this point, the flow ends.

As will be readily understood, the example of the fabrication processdepicted in FIG. 6 is merely illustrative of one of several possibleways that the manufacture of these clothing wipe products may beaccomplished. As noted herein above, the clothing wipe is a deliveryvehicle well-suited to a wide variety of applications for deliveringchemical-based products to the surface of a person's clothing or hair orskin. Its structure, regardless of the particular chemical formulationsapplied to the bottom layer of the clothing wipe, is thus basically thesame as that described herein and adapted to being fabricated in theprocesses described and illustrated herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment 150 of the applicator storagepouch 70 shown in FIG. 4. As in FIG. 4, the pouch 70 may be formed of asingle sheet of flexible packaging film as described herein above,folded along an edge 81 and bonded along opposite side edges 82. Thebasic fabrication process as shown and described in FIG. 6 may be used.The pouch includes a top side 72 and a bottom side 74, and may alsoinclude graphics 80 such as decorative features, brand name, or logoindicia imprinted on the outer sides of the pouch. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7, a closure flap 152 extends from the bottom side 74. A retainingstrap 154 for the flap 152 extends from each side edge 82 of the pouchwhere it is bonded to the respective side edge 82 at the locations 156shown in FIG. 7. The flap 152 provides for closing and opening the pouch70. Persons skilled in the art will realize that other closure methodsor mechanisms are possible such as other types of zip fasteners,releasable adhesives and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first alternate and preferred embodiment of theapplicator. In this embodiment of the applicator 152, both ends of theapplicator 152 are open, thereby forming a sleeve to permit the user'sfingertips to extend beyond the end of the applicator. Further, thebonding of the bottom 154 and top 156 layers on either side edges 166 ofthe applicator 152 is indicated by the dashed lines 158. Indicia 168 areshown on the top layer 156. The same materials are used in thefabrication of this embodiment as the embodiment of FIG. 4 but thestructure is slightly different, reflecting improved utility and onlyone of several other possible variations.

Continuing with FIG. 8, the applicator 152 is formed by bonding a bottomlayer 154 of a suitable material to a top layer 156 of a suitablematerial along first and second side edges 166, leaving both ends 160open—i.e., forming a sleeve by providing a passage between the first andsecond layers—to enable a user to insert at least two fingers in andthrough the space or passage 162 between the layers 154, 156 of theapplicator 152 during use. The feature of permitting the user's fingersto extend through the passage or sleeve 162 of the applicator 152 hasbeen found to work well because the applicator 152 is less likely toslip off the user's finger during its use. The bonding of the top 156and bottom 154 layers is indicated by the dashed lines 158 along theside edges 166 of the applicator 152. The dashed lines 158 may indicatethe location of ultrasonic bonds or, alternatively, the stitches of asewn binding. The applicator 152 may be imprinted with graphics 164 suchas brand name or logo, or indicia 168 or other decorative features. Thebottom layer 154 of the applicator 152 further includes an odorneutralizing formulation 66 embedded, impregnated, or other wise appliedinto or upon the outer surface of the bottom layer 154. The odorneutralizing formulation 66 is further described in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second alternate embodiment of the applicator. Inthis embodiment of the applicator 172, both ends of the applicator 172are open to permit the user's fingertips to extend through the space 182between the bottom 174 and top 176 layers of the applicator 172. In thisembodiment the top layer 176 is formed as a strap across the mid-sectionof the applicator 172. The bonding of the bottom 174 and top 176 layerson either side of the applicator 172 is indicated by the dashed lines178, and indicia 188 are shown on the upper layer 176. This embodimentof the applicator 172 is a variation of the embodiment depicted in FIG.8 that may be implemented to save cost, for example. The same materialsare used in its fabrication but the structure is slightly different,reflecting one of several possible variations.

Continuing with FIG. 9, The applicator 172 is formed by bonding a bottomlayer 174 of a suitable material to a top layer 176 or strap of asuitable material along both side edges 180, leaving both ends of theapplicator 172 open to enable a user to insert at least two fingers inand through the space 182 of the applicator 172 during use. The featureof permitting the user's fingers to extend through the space 182 of theapplicator 172 in the manner of a sleeve has been found to work betterbecause the applicator 172 is less likely to slip off the user's fingerduring its use. The bonding of the top 176 and bottom 174 layers isindicated by the dashed lines 178 along the side edges 180 of theapplicator 172. The dashed lines 178 may indicate the location ofultrasonic bonds or, alternatively, the stitches of a sewn binding. Theapplicator 172 may be imprinted with graphics 184 such as brand name orlogo, or indicia 188 or other decorative features. The bottom layer 174of the applicator 172 further includes an odor neutralizing formulation66 embedded or impregnated into or otherwise applied upon the outersurface of the bottom layer 174. The odor neutralizing formulation 66 isfurther described in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 illustrates a pictorial view of the use of the first or secondalternate embodiments of the applicator. This view is similar to FIG. 3except the user is shown with the embodiment of FIG. 8 in use. The useof the embodiment of FIG. 9 is similar. The applicator 152 is shownbeing manipulated by a wiping action against the clothing 190 of a user,as indicated by the arrows 196. The user's fingertips 192 of his or herhand 194 are inserted into the space or sleeve 162 between the bottom154 and top 156 layers of the applicator 152. In a preferred embodiment,the space 162 in the applicator 152, when opposite sides 166 (See FIG.8) of the applicator 152 are squeezed slightly, opens wide enough toreceive two fingertips 192 therein for manipulating the applicator 152.Once installed on the user's fingertips, his or her hand 194 is moved ina side-to-side motion 196, rubbing or wiping the lower surface portion(not visible in the figure, but will be readily understood) of thebottom layer 154 against the surface of the clothing 190. This actioncauses the release and transfer of the odor neutralizing formulation 66(See FIG. 5) from a portion of the bottom layer 154 to the surface ofthe user's clothing 190. An important attribute of the applicator 152(and also other embodiments thereof as described herein) is that itenables a controlled release of the amount and strength of the fragrancecomponent upon the user's clothing or hair when rubbed against thesesurfaces.

The applicators 10, including embodiments 52, 152, 172, and variationsthereof, described herein above may be used multiple times and stored ina person's pocket or purse when not in use. However, in an alternateembodiment, the applicator 10 may be enclosed in a protective wrapper(See, e.g., FIG. 4) that is removed by the user prior to use. Thiswrapper or pouch may be configured to retard deterioration or preventinadvertent dispersion of the odor neutralizing formulation or odormasking substances that may occur between uses. In another alternateembodiment, a protective layer of thin paper or plastic material havinga low tack adhesive may be attached as a fourth layer (not shown) to theunderside of the carrier layer 26. To activate the carrier layer 26, theuser need only remove the fourth layer for use and replace the fourthprotective layer over the carrier layer 26 after use. In a variation ofthis alternate embodiment, microcapsules of the odor neutralizingsubstance may be embedded in the adhesive that secures the protectivelayer to the carrier layer. Such microcapsules are well-known in the artfor incorporating sample fragrances in periodical advertisements for thefragrance products. The microcapsules are ruptured when the protectivelayer is peeled away from the carrier layer, thus releasing oractivating the odor neutralizing substance just prior to the use of theapplicator 10. In another variation the fragrance mixture may beencapsulated in a starch compound, for example. Encapsulates act toretard the volatility of the fragrance mixture until it is released bycontact or other action to open the encapsulate. Other mechanisms arespray dry fragrances, which can be deposited on clothing and releasedwith friction against the fabric.

While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is notthus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modificationswithout departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the embodimentillustrated in the drawings is shown with the opening disposed in one ofthe longer sides of the applicator 10. In one modification (not shownbecause its appearance is readily visualized to one skilled in the art,based on the structural features shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3), the openingfor receiving the user's fingertips may be provided in one of theshorter sides of the applicator, thus permitting insertion of the user'sfingers to a greater extent to provide a firmer grip on the applicator10.

In another modification, the applicator 10 may be enlarged such that auser's entire hand fits within the pocket 28 between the substrate 24and carrier 26 layers. This configuration enables the use of theapplicator as a hand mitt, for applying odor neutralizing substances toa larger fabric surface area, for example, such as to upholstery invehicles or on furniture or draperies and curtains in offices orresidences, etc.

As noted herein above, potential market segments for clothing wipes asdescribed herein may be gender-specific or unisex, or directed toparticular kinds of activities such as indoor or outdoor, social orbusiness or recreation, etc. Other applications may include clothingwipes that are formulated as insect repellants or other ancillary usesbesides refreshing the scent or odors present on a person's clothing orhair. Other applications may include wipes having formulations adaptedto a person's skin surfaces. Such applications may include ingredientformulations based on other types of ingredients in other proportions,etc. Thus, the clothing wipe described herein is only one example of aversatile delivery system for scented or other chemical formulationsconfigured for a wide variety of personal care products.

Yet another modification is to provide a pouch or sleeve 70 as describedin FIG. 4 for enclosing and storing the applicator 10 within when not inuse. Such a pouch or sleeve may also protect the carrier layer 26 fromcontact with other surfaces or substances that could degrade itsfunctional characteristics. A sleeve could also be employed as part of amechanism for activating the applicator just prior to use, if that is aparticular objective of the product. In this embodiment, removing theapplicator 10 from enclosure or contact with the sleeve may serve toactivate the odor neutralizing substance for use.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for fabricating a clothing wipe,comprising the steps of: forming a first layer of an applicator in afirst branch of a web process including uniformly depositing an odorneutralizing formulation on an outer surface of said first layer; andforming a second layer of said applicator in a second branch of a webprocess including imprinting said second layer with indicia followed bymerging said first and second web process branches in a step foraligning said first and second layers of said applicator for bonding,cutting, and trimming operations.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of: forming and imprinting a storage pouch for saidapplicator from packaging film in a third web process.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the step of: forming a pouch from apackaging film for sealably enclosing said applicator and including areusable string zipper closure mechanism along one side of said pouch.4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: merging saidthird web process branch with said combined first and second web processbranches in a step to insert said applicator in said storage pouch. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein said step of forming a first layerfurther includes the steps of: formulating said odor neutralizingformulation in a separate step; and applying said formulation to anouter surface of said first layer of said applicator in a step in saidfirst branch of said web process.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thestep of formulating said odor neutralizing formulation comprises thesteps of: providing a fragrance mixture in a predetermined proportion toprovide a clean linen scent; and combining said fragrance mixture with abase component, said base component including a mixture of apolyethylene glycol and glycerin.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thestep of combining said fragrance mixture comprises the step of:combining said fragrance mixture with said base component in respectiveproportions of approximately 4% and 96%.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein said step of formulating said odor neutralizing formulationcomprises the step of: combining a proportion of 80% to 90% of anpolyethylene glycol with a proportion of 6% to 16% of an glycerin ofsaid odor neutralizing formulation.
 9. The method of claim 5, whereinsaid step of formulating said odor neutralizing formulation comprisesthe step of: combining said polyethylene glycol with said glycerin inrespective proportions of 86% and 10% of the odor neutralizingformulation.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said bonding of saidfirst and second layers is selected from the group consisting ofcontinuous ultrasonic, uniform discontinuous ultrasonic, and a stitchedbond.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said bonding of said first andsecond layers is operated to form a finger space between said first andsecond layers.
 12. The method of claim 5, wherein the step offormulating said odor neutralizing formulation comprises the step of:including an insect repellant substance in said odor neutralizingformulation.
 13. The method of claim 5, wherein said step of formulatingsaid odor neutralizing formulation comprises the step of: providing abase component of polyethylene glycol mixed with glycerin; and combiningwith said base component a proportion of an insect repellant substancewithin a range of 5% to 30% of said odor neutralizing formulation.